Oxford United Women closed out the 2024/25 season with a dominant 2–0 victory over Hashtag United, thanks to two goals from Nicole Barrett.
The U’s struck early, with January loan signing Barrett scoring her first goal in yellow in just the third minute. Driving into the box with power, Barrett unleashed a fierce right-footed shot into the bottom left corner.
Oxford dominated the opening stages, with Phoebie Poole seeing several chances go just wide.
Hashtag United grew into the game and tested the U’s defence with efforts from Wiktoria Fronc and Malika Apinda, both well dealt with by the U’s back line.
Eighteen-year-old Lucy Trinder impressed on the left wing, delivering a series of dangerous crosses that the Yellows couldn’t quite convert.
Just before half-time, Oxford were awarded a free kick after Barrett was pulled back on the right, around 30 yards out. Barrett stepped up and her cross-turned-shot soared over goalkeeper Frankie Angel and into the top left corner to double the U’s lead.
Hashtag started the second half brightly, creating a flurry of chances. Sammy Rowlands' long-range effort was well saved by Beth Howard, and seconds later, substitute Georgia Griffin saw a close-range shot blocked, with Frankie Finlayson firing the rebound over.
Oxford had the chance to extend their lead in the 79th minute when Kate Wiseman’s corner found England U19 international Cecily Wellesley-Smith, whose powerful header went just over the bar.
The U’s saw out the game to secure a confident 2–0 win over a strong Hashtag side, finishing fifth in the FA Women’s National League South Premier Division.
The Yellows will return for the 2025/26 campaign in August.
Report: Caitlin Webb; Photography: Andy Wicks
